It is obvious that medical tourism is heading in the right direction with all the attention the media has been giving to it lately. India is hoping to expand its tourist industry - and the step is appreciated by every one. Medical tourism has three main branches:

* Modern Treatment * Ayurveda * Yoga

Modern Treatment Medical tourism, where foreigners travel abroad in search of low cost, world-class medical treatment, is gaining popularity in countries like India. Though the quality of health care for the poor in countries like India is undeniably low, private facilities offer advanced technology and procedures on par with hospitals in developed nations. One Indian hospital director maintains, "In a corporate hospital, once the door is closed you could be in a hospital in America."

There is no doubt that the Indian medical industry's main appeal is low-cost treatment. Most estimates claim treatment costs in India start at around a tenth of the price of comparable treatment in America or Britain.

For example, in April Madras Medical Mission, a Chennai-based hospital, successfully conducted a complex heart operation on an 87-year-old American patient at a reported cost of $8,000 (?7,000, £4,850) including the cost of his airfare and a month's stay in hospital. The patient claimed that a less complex operation in America had earlier cost him $40,000. Other procedures such as diagnostic services offer significant cost-savings.

Yet cost-savings may not be enough to foster a trade in medical tourism. Unfairly or not, most people in would not think of India as a land of good health.

A doctor from a corporate hospital said "I can only assure you that the super specialty hospitals we have here adhere to world class standards and have all the requisite accreditations / certifications. You will be surprised at the number of Indian doctors practicing in the USA or the UK and if it's possible for people to get themselves treated there by these doctors. I don't see why they should have any hesitation in getting themselves treated by Indian doctors in India at a much lesser price and with the additional benefit of touring this beautiful country".

Earlier this year, Apollo (Leading corporate hospital of India) was represented at a London meeting that was also attended by a UK government health adviser and private healthcare providers from South Africa, Australia, India and the UK.

The Apollo team responded with a counter offer of a medical tourism package that would cut waiting times for surgery in the UK or USA.

Ayurveda The healing touch of the magic of the invaluable Indian legacy is Ayurveda. Ayurveda bestows the mankind with the bliss of life and perpetuates life by its virtue. Kerala (God owned Country) is leading the whole India. The best thing that Kerala could have offered..... Ayurveda, an unique health care system that was established in India in around 600 BC.

Ayurveda is an indispensable branch of medicine, a complete naturalistic system that depends on the diagnosis of the body's humors to achieve the right balance.

When it is effective: The doctors and therapist in the resort told me that Ayurveda is more effective in monsoon season as the atmosphere remains dust free and cool, opening the body pores to maximum, making it more receptive to herbal oils and therapy.

Prime Treatments in Ayurveda: Some of the prime body treatments and body care in Ayurveda are given as under:-

Abhyangam (14 Days): Special type of oil massage in which strokes are given according to the diseases for 45 minutes per day for 14 days. This treatment is very useful for Obesity, Especially for Diabetic Gangrene etc.Dhanyamla Dhara (14 Days): Warm herbal liquid is poured all over the body in a rhythmic way through a special vessel for 45 minutes to 1 hour daily. This treatment is very effective for Hemiplegia, Paralysis Rheumatic complaints etc.

Dhara (14 Days): In this process, some Herbal oils, medicated milk, medicated butter milk etc. are poured on the forehead in a special method for about 45 minutes in a day for a period of 7-21 days. This treatment is mainly for Insomnia, Vatha Predominated diseases, Mental tension and certain skin diseases.

Kativasthi: In this process specially prepared warm medicated oil is kept over the lower back with herbal paste boundary, This treatment lasts for 45 minutes to 1 hour and it is good for any type of back pain and spinal disorders.

Kizhi (14 Days): Herbal leaves and herbs or herbal powders are applied to the whole body in boluses with hot medicated oils for 45 minutes per day for a period of 7 to 14 days. This treatment is for osteoarthritis, arthritis with swelling, spondilosis, sports injuries etc.

Ksheeradhoomam: This is fomentation with medicated cow milk. This treatment is good for facial paralysis. Bell's palsy, speech disorders and other nervous disorders of the face.

Lepanam: This is a process by which medicated herbal paste is applied on the affected part; this is useful for various types of inflammatory conditions.

Njavarakizhi (14 Days): It is a process by which the whole body or any specific part thereof is made to perspire by the application of certain medical puddings externally in the form of Boluses tied up in muslin bag. This is applied by two to four therapist for abut 60-90 minutes per day for a period of 14 days. This Treatment is for all types of Rheumatism, Pain in the Joints, Emaciation of limbs, High blood pressure, Cholesterol and certain kinds of skin diseases.

Pizhichil (14 Days): In this treatment, lukewarm herbal oils are applied all over the body by two to four trained therapists i a special rhythmic way continuously for about 60 to 90 minutes per day for a period of 7 to 21 days. This treatment is very useful for Rheumatic diseases like Arthritis, Paralysis, Hemiplegia, Paralysis-Gaitanis, Sexual Weakness, Nervous Weakness and Nervous disorders etc.

Sirovasthi (14 Days): Certain lukewarm herbal oils are poured into a cap fitted on the head for 15 to 60 minutes per day according to the patients conditions for a period of 7 days. This treatment is highly effective for facial paralysis, Dryness of nostrils, mouth and throat, Severe headaches, and other Vatha originated diseases.

Snehapanam (14 Days): Mediated Ghee is given internally in a proportionally increased quantity for a period of 8 to 12 days. This treatment is for Osteoarthritis, Psoriasis and Leukemia etc.

Udvarthanam (14 Days): This is a typical massage with herbal powder for about 30 to 45 minutes daily for a period of 14 to 28 days. This treatment is for the diseases like Hemiplegia, Paralysis, Obesity and certain Rheumatic ailments.

Urovasthi: Like Kativasthi warm medicated oil is kept over the chest for 45 minutes this is an effective treatment for asthma, other respiratory problems hearth diseases and muscular chest pain.

Vasthi (14 Days): Certain herbal oils, herbal extracts etc. are applied through the rectum daily for a period 5 to 25 days. This Treatment is for Arthritis, Paralysis, Hemiplegia, Numbness, Gastric complaints associated with Rheumatism and constant constipation.

Yoni Prakshalanam (7 Days): Herbal oils and decoctions are applied through the vaginal route. This treatment is good for gynecological disorders. It is also a purification process for genital organs.

Yoga Yoga was propounded by the ancient Indian sage Patanjali and is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Yog' which means 'union,' presumably union with the divine being or God. It is a secular and scientific methodology to experience the integration of the mind-body-spirit. Some of the most often practiced types of Yoga are: Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Tantric Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, and Raja Yoga. Rejuvenate yourself, the most effective way, just as Indian Sadhus (sage) have been doing for centuries. India is known as the country where Yoga & Meditation are a way of life. to learn Yoga needs a sense of responsibility. Dedication for yoga and enthusiasm to learn this technique.